Bendigo council gives long-term plans the go-ahead at June meeting

A plan to "reimagine" Bendigo Creek could take more than 50 years to fully realise, with a name change among the possibilities under consideration for the creek's future.

Councillors unanimously moved to adopt the plan last night, committing the city to work with the Dja Dja Wurrung and the community on its implementation.

It was hoped the work would provide an avenue for reconciliation with the region's Traditional Owners, as well as recognising the value of what some councillors described as "the backbone of Bendigo".

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A separate 50-year strategy for Greening Greater Bendigo was also endorsed, along with a 10-year action plan.

The strategy deals with a range of issues, from the types of trees in the municipality to adapting to a changing climate.

At least one councillor considered the Greening Greater Bendigo strategy one of the most significant pieces of work produced during their term.

Several councillors referred to how the strategy might help cool pockets of the city most prone to heat.

A 30-year vision to meet the need for industrial land in Greater Bendigo was adopted, providing the city with a new strategy after 18 years.

Dire consequences are forecast for the city if it fails to provide the land needed to remain competitive with other regional cities and accommodate new jobs and growth.

In addition to adopting the strategy, councillors moved to start drafting a planning scheme amendment to see it implemented.

The strategy included recommendations to rezone some tracts of land.

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Councillors adopted a 10-year strategy for the city's food system, addressing some of the most pressing challenges to the health and wellbeing of residents.

The plan spans every step of the journey from producing or growing food and drinks through to disposing of any waste.

Councillors remarked on the pertinence of a Greater Bendigo Food Systems Strategy, given residents' experiences due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But not every decision was unanimous, and not every plan glowing with pride.

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A number of councillors were critical of the handling of decisions - or lack thereof - related to the future of the Golden Square Swimming Pool and the broader Golden Square Recreation Reserve.

The issues, which have been ongoing for 10 years, are expected to come to a head at next month's council meeting.

Concerns about the process in recent months included the haste of the most recent round of consultation and a lack of clarity regarding the options presented.

A new lease policy for the Bendigo Airport seemed to be the only motion councillors were not unanimous in passing last night, with councillors George Flack and Andrea Metcalf voting against the changes.

Cr Metcalf was concerned people had been confused by consultation on new airport fees and charges in the draft budget.

She was also concerned an aspect of the motion would detract from councillors' abilities to make future decisions on the airport leasing policy.